KEI Employment

June, 23rd 2023

The Korea Economic Institute is soliciting applications for the position of President and CEO of the institute.

KEI was founded in 1982 as a 501(c)(6) non-profit research, policy, and public outreach organization. Its mission is to promote dialogue and understanding between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United States on all aspects of the bilateral relationship, including economic, political, and security matters. KEI accomplishes this goal through high-profile events, national outreach programs, and publications to inform US policymakers, opinion leaders, and the general public. KEI is a Registered Foreign Agent of the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP), a Korean government-funded research institute focused on international trade and economic policy issues affecting Korea. KEI is not a lobbying organization, and the President/CEO has no lobbying responsibilities.

The President/CEO occupies the leadership position of the organization. The President sets the vision and overall direction of the institute, guided by the KEI Board of Directors and the President of KIEP. He/she directly oversees the programs, publications, and personnel at KEI. The President also has overall responsibility for management of the institute, including budget and personnel. The President/CEO is not expected to fundraise from outside sources.

The role of the KEI President requires representing the institute at senior-level meetings and forums, serving as a frequent public speaker or moderator at major events, and consulting with senior government and non-government leaders on US-Korea relations. The President must be able to interact effectively with senior Korean counterparts in government and in the National Assembly and act as an effective interlocutor with US government officials, legislators, academics, and other stakeholders.

The President must be a US citizen with an advanced educational degree and 20 or more years of professional experience relevant to the position. The candidate should have the following qualifications:

• A deep commitment to US-ROK relations and a vision for strengthening those ties;
• A clear understanding of the economic and trade issues affecting the US-Korea relationship, as well as the broader security environment on the Korean peninsula;
• Experience dealing with the Korean government and business communities;
• Knowledge of the US political environment and ability to converse with Executive and Congressional leadership on issues pertaining to Korea;
• Strong organizational management skills with the ability to manage staff and set and achieve strategic objectives;
• An ability to engage the public and media on important issues in the bilateral relationship; and
• A demonstrated record of interpersonal skills to manage relations with the board, staff, funders, and other stakeholders.

The salary will be commensurate with the leadership position being filled and the candidate’s experience. KEI is an equal opportunity employer located in newly renovated offices on K Street in Washington, DC. More information about KEI can be found on its website at www.keia.org.

Please submit resume/CV and letter of interest in the position in strict confidence to KEIPresidentSearch@gmail.com by July 31, 2023.

Past Presidents of KEI

• John T. Bennett (1982 – 1990)
• William Robert Warne (1990 – 2000)
• Joseph A.B. Winder (2000 – 2006)
• Charles L. Pritchard (2006 – 2012)
• Donald Manzullo (2013 – 2018)
• Kathleen Stephens (2018-current)